ITV presenter Kate Garraway is reportedly “smiling again” after growing close to one of her broadcasting friends. The Good Morning Britain presenter, 58, has reportedly been leaning on her close friend Liam Halligan two years after the death of her husband Derek Draper, who was left in a coma battling Covid-19.

Kate and Liam have known each other for 20 years, and he was also a close friend of Derek’s. A source claimed to the Daily Mail: “Kate has formed a close friendship with Liam and they really enjoy one another's company. They met through friends. Liam makes her laugh, he is very funny and they've been hanging out with their close circle of mates.”

The source went on to claim: “It has been really tough for Kate since Derek died, and she is a mother to two children and they are all still grieving.

“But they have known one another for 20 years. Liam knew Derek. They have so many friends in common. It's lovely to see Kate smiling again.”

The pair were spotted together at The Railway Arms pub at the weekend in Liam’s hometown of Saffron Walden, Essex. In one snap from the evening, Kate posed with some other friends while Liam could be seen in the background, chatting to someone else.

But according to a source at the venue there was “a lot of singing and dancing”, and Kate was also introduced to Liam’s neighbours.

They reportedly seemed “very happy”, with sources further claiming Kate has been seen at Liam’s home “quite a few times” in “recent weeks”.

When approached by Express.co.uk, Kate's representatives declined to comment.